Like, oh my gosh, buckle up babes because things are totally not chill between the U.S. and Canada right now — and it’s, like, so your wallet’s problem now too. Welcome to Valley Girl News where trade wars are so last season, but nobody told Trump.
Trump just casually told reporters, “We haven’t really had a lot of luck with Canada. I think Canada could be one where there’s just a tariff, not really a negotiation,” as he left for Scotland, like it was no big deal. But it is a big deal, because there’s supposed to be this self-imposed deadline of August 1 for a shiny new trade agreement. Spoiler alert: it’s, like, not happening.
Oh, and btw, the U.S. and Canada already do have a trade deal (hi, it’s called the USMCA), but Trump’s out here trying to rewrite the whole thing. He wants to cut down on imports of autos, steel, aluminium, and other very Canadian goods. Because apparently punishing your neighbor with tariffs is the new diplomacy.
But here’s where it gets actually real: all these tariffs? Yeah, they’re totally boomeranging back to hit American consumers. Like, hard. Companies in the U.S. are quietly passing those extra costs onto YOU. Real-time pricing data shows prices are going way up.
Let’s talk cars, okay? Trump slapped a 25% tariff on Canadian-made cars and parts, and now American car manufacturers are, like, not even trying to hide the fact that they’re charging more. Kelley Blue Book says the average price of a new car in the U.S. hit record highs this summer. A Ford spokesperson literally said, “We’re not in a position to absorb 25 percent on key components… it’s landing on our customers.” Like, rude?
And it’s not just your future car. Appliances are up too. That cute mint green SMEG fridge? It’s gonna cost you more. Why? Because Canadian aluminium and steel are under a 50% tariff. Like, even your kitchen aesthetic isn’t safe anymore.
Trump also threw a 25% tariff on Canadian goods not covered by USMCA, with oil, gas, and potash (whatever that is) being the only ones chillin’ at 10%. And if Canada doesn’t cave by August 1, he’s threatening to hike the non-USMCA tariff to 35%. That’s like a breakup text followed by an invoice.
Prime Minister Carney isn’t having it. He told reporters, “Our objective is not to reach a deal whatever it costs. We are pursuing a deal that will be in the interest of Canadians.” Translation: he’s not playing ball just to meet a Trump deadline.
Canada’s Intergovernmental Affairs Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, added, “We’ve made progress, but we have a lot of work in front of us.” Which is diplomat-speak for “um, this is a mess.” Also, shoutout to Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, who said they’ll “continue negotiating.” Like, she’s totally that friend who keeps things together while everyone else is losing it.
But wait—it gets weirder. The talks have somehow also included non-trade stuff like border policies, NATO defense spending, and even Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. Which honestly sounds more like a Vegas hotel than national security but okay.
Trump’s not just beefing with Canada, btw. His whole trade vibe lately is: put tariffs on everyone, then offer deals that include some protection if countries agree to let the U.S. be extra. It’s literally happened with Britain and Vietnam already. Like, “we’ll stab you, but with a smaller knife if you agree.”
So what does this mean for you? Higher prices. Less selection. And a whole lot of drama from two countries that are supposed to be, like, BFFs. Whether you’re shopping for a car, a dishwasher, or literally anything made of metal, you’re kinda paying for this trade tantrum.
We’ll keep watching to see if Canada and the U.S. kiss—or if your next blender is gonna cost as much as Beyoncé floor seats.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
Where geopolitics meets your Zara budget
